Convention - SDCC 2024 : Paramount+ The Lodge Returns with a Blockbuster Sequel

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention Center, 25 july 2024

San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2024 has once again proven to be a haven for pop culture enthusiasts, with one of the event's biggest highlights being the return of Paramount+ The Lodge. After an exceptionally successful debut in 2023, The Lodge returned to SDCC this year with the daunting task of living up to its predecessor. Paramount+ not only met these high expectations but also introduced several new elements that made The Lodge a standout experience at the convention.

Paramount+ sparked excitement early on, announcing in January 2024 that The Lodge would make its return to SDCC. Given the immense popularity of the 2023 edition, this year’s iteration was highly anticipated. The ticketing system, however, saw a significant change, reducing the maximum number of tickets per session from eight to two per account. This adjustment, while ensuring more groups could participate, also created a dilemma for larger groups who had to decide who would get to enjoy the experience​​.

Upon arrival, attendees with reservations found the process smooth and efficient, typically waiting no more than 15 minutes to enter. However, the quick session turnover meant that those entering late via the standby line sometimes had as little as five minutes to explore The Lodge before being ushered out. This aspect was a letdown for some, as the limited time reduced the overall enjoyment for those who had waited in the long standby lines​​.

Once inside, The Lodge unfolded as a carefully curated adventure, offering a mix of returning favorites and exciting new experiences. One of the most popular stations was the Star Trek custom t-shirt station, where attendees could design their own shirts by selecting from various franchise-inspired insignia and iconic phrases. This station replaced the caricature station from 2023, offering a more practical piece of swag that fans cherished. However, some fans nostalgically missed the unique one-of-a-kind caricatures from the previous year​​.

Adjacent to the t-shirt station was the Ink Master temporary tattoo parlor. This station returned bigger and better this year, allowing attendees to choose from various Paramount property designs for their temporary tattoos. A lucky few who selected the Dodo design even received an exclusive plushie, adding an element of surprise that delighted those fortunate enough to receive it​.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Jellyfish Fields game was another crowd-pleaser, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the beloved series. Attendees participated in a fun jellyfish-catching game, with high scorers earning special SpongeBob sunglasses. While the activity was enjoyable, some fans felt it didn’t quite match the immersive experience of the Yellowjackets activation from the previous year, which had offered more unique swag such as playing cards and jars of honey​​.

The culinary offerings at The Lodge were equally memorable. The Turtle Power Pizza station, inspired by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, served up pizza slices and themed lemonades. The classic TMNT arcade game added a nostalgic touch that was appreciated by fans. However, some attendees noted that the pizza didn’t quite compare to the tastier Good Burger sliders from 2023, which had been served directly to guests without the need to wait in line​​.

For those seeking a more adult experience, the Tulsa King bar area was a major highlight. The bar served complimentary drinks, and attendees could try their luck at themed slot machines. While the slot machines didn’t offer prizes this year—a decision made to avoid the perception of gambling—the free drinks and lively atmosphere made this area a favorite among those over 21​.

The left side of The Lodge featured a trio of new activations that added to the overall experience. The Ghosts Olfactory Atelier invited attendees to explore scents inspired by the characters from the show, with each ghost having a unique fragrance. Attendees could take home a sample, making this station a fragrant and memorable stop within The Lodge​.

The IF Ferris Wheel photo op was another new addition, providing a whimsical and family-friendly experience. Attendees could “ride” the Ferris wheel, complete with a magical button that brought a companion to life for the photo. This station was particularly popular with younger attendees, adding a touch of magic to their visit​.

The Criminal Minds: Evolution evidence board station offered a more interactive and mysterious experience. Fans of the series could dive into a mock Behavioral Analysis Unit office, filled with clues and evidence, and try their hand at solving a case. This activation appealed to the more cerebral attendees, adding a layer of intrigue to The Lodge​​.

As a sequel to its groundbreaking debut, The Lodge at SDCC 2024 succeeded in maintaining the excitement and engagement of its predecessor, though it didn’t quite reach the same heights. The experience was more streamlined and polished, but some fans missed the more immersive and unique elements from the previous year. If the 2023 version of The Lodge was a perfect 10/10, this year’s edition would comfortably earn an 8/10—a commendable sequel that, while excellent, didn’t fully capture the magic of its debut​.

Nevertheless, Paramount+ has demonstrated its commitment to creating a standout presence at SDCC. The Lodge remains a must-visit offsite, offering a mix of interactive activities, exclusive swag, and themed refreshments that cater to a wide range of interests. The slight tweaks and changes made this year show that Paramount+ is listening to fan feedback and is willing to evolve the experience to keep it fresh and exciting.

Looking ahead to SDCC 2025, there’s every reason to be excited about what Paramount+ will bring. The Lodge has become a core part of their SDCC strategy, and with each iteration, it continues to captivate fans. Whether you’re a returning visitor or new to the experience, The Lodge offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the worlds of your favorite Paramount+ shows and create memories that will last long after the convention ends​​.

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page

Photos and video  : Boris Colletier / Mulderville